Local companies ink $12 million deal to supply noni juice to China

By Sapeer Mayron 23 October 2019, 9:00AM

Three Samoan juice makers have signed a deal to export noni juice to China, opening up a market worth millions for the country's fastest-growing export.

Wilex Samoa’s Noni Loa will be exported to China through China National Township Enterprises Co Limited, representing Feiji (Shanghai) International Trade Co Limited.

Nathan Wilson, Manager of Wilex said the deal, worth T$2.7 million is a result of months of negotiations surrounding packaging, bottling and promotion of Noni Loa.

They will be supplying bottled noni juice, pouches of juice, and noni chocolates and hope to add other new products to the list soon.

Speaking to C.C.T.V. whivh was in Apia for the 3rd China - Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum, the managing director of Feiji (Shanghai) International David Shan Yuqiang, said he was excited about signing with Noni Loa.

He chose Noni Loa out of its competitors in noni juice export because of its export readiness, he said.

Annually, Noni Loa produces 1,500 megatonnes of juice.


The Chinese importer hopes to double the agreed upon $2.7 million (US$1 million) within nine months, after a promotional campaign about Noni Loa in China. 

Skyline Samoa and Nonu Samoa and Natural Foods International also signed supply agreements, worth another US$3.7 million (T$9.8 million).

The businesses met on the side-lines of the 3rd China - Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum, where 200 private sector delegates from China travelled to Samoa to forge business relationships while the politics carried on in other rooms.

President of the Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters Tagaloa Eddie Wilson said growing exports from Samoa is critical.

By 2020, Samoa intends to reach $100 million in domestic exports, and as of July 2019 that figure was nearly $90 million.

The new Samoa Export Plan, which will be launched next year, sets an even more ambitious target: to reach $300 million in exports by 2025.

Tagaloa said his organisation supports the Government’s call to work towards a Free Trade Agreement with China, announced on Monday by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi at the Forum.

By Sapeer Mayron 23 October 2019, 9:00AM
Samoa Observer

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